Maybe Ben Franklin was wrong: A volcanic eruption, climate fluctuations and the frigid winter of 1783-84
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 - 14:30
in Earth & Climate
The eruption of the Laki volcano in Iceland in 1783-84 set off a cascade of catastrophe, spewing sulfuric clouds into Europe and eventually around the world. Poisonous mists and a resulting famine from loss of crops and livestock killed thousands in Iceland, up to a quarter of the population. An estimated 23,000 people in Britain died from inhaling toxic fumes. Acid rain, heat, cold, drought and floods have been attributed to the eruption, which lasted from June until February.
